Helios Beach in Stari Grad on Hvar – Organized Beach, Sunbathing Areas, and Swimming by the Pine Forest

Helios Beach is located on the northern shore of Stari Grad Bay, in the Helios tourist settlement, not far from the center of Stari Grad on the island of Hvar. This organized beach is recognizable by its concrete and stone sunbathing surfaces, easy access to the sea, and the greenery surrounding the coastal area. It is particularly convenient for guests of nearby hotels and apartments, as well as for anyone wishing to spend a few hours by the sea without traveling to distant Hvar coves.

Helios is situated west of the city beach Bonj, along the coastal promenade that connects Stari Grad with the tourist zone. Unlike Bonj, known for its pebbly shore, Helios has a more pronounced character of an organized sunbathing area with a rocky coastline. It is most suitable for bathers who prefer to lay their towels on a flat surface, swim, and enjoy the view of Stari Grad Bay.

What is Helios Beach Like?

Helios is an organized part of the coast dominated by concrete sunbathing platforms, alongside natural rocky sections and smaller access points to the sea.

The coastline is located beneath the Helios tourist complex, with pine trees and other Mediterranean vegetation growing in the background. This position provides the beach with a pleasant combination of organized coastline and greenery.

Unlike wide pebbly beaches, the emphasis here is on flat surfaces by the sea. This is particularly practical for adult bathers and guests who enjoy sunbathing on towels or loungers.

The water is clear during calm weather, and the view extends across Stari Grad Bay towards its southern shore.

Helios is not a secluded natural cove but rather part of the tourist coastline of Stari Grad. Its main advantage is the easy access and the possibility of combining swimming with nearby dining and tourist facilities.

Swimming and Entering the Sea

At Helios Beach, the most practical way to enter the water is via the organized parts of the coastline and the steps where they are provided.

Along certain parts of the coastline, there are natural rocks, so caution is needed when walking and entering the water due to slippery stones.

Since the beach is primarily designed for sunbathing and direct entry into the sea, it is less suitable for small children who wish to play on a wide pebbly shore.

For such swimming, the nearby Bonj may be a more practical choice.

Helios is particularly suitable for guests who enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and a short break by the sea, without the need for additional beach activities.

Sunbathing Areas and Shade from Pines

One of the distinctive features of Helios is the combination of organized sunbathing areas and the nearby pine forest.

The platforms by the sea are mostly exposed to the sun, making them suitable for sunbathing for most of the day. In the background, the pines create more pleasant conditions for walking and taking a break from the summer heat.

In the Helios tourist zone during the season, there is a rental service for loungers and umbrellas, but the availability of equipment at the beach itself may depend on the organization of beach facilities.

For a relaxed stay, it is advisable to bring a towel, water, and sun protection, especially if you plan to stay for several hours.

Dining Facilities Nearby

Helios Beach is located next to a tourist zone that includes hotels, apartment facilities, and seasonal dining options.

In the vicinity, it is possible to find a place for a drink or a meal, which is one of the practical advantages compared to remote natural coves.

However, it is important to distinguish between the public beach and hotel facilities. Some pools, restaurants, and additional services may be intended for hotel guests or may incur separate charges.

For visitors not staying in the tourist settlement, the simplest option is to use the publicly accessible coastal area and dining facilities that welcome external guests.

How to Get to Helios Beach?

The beach is located on the northern side of Stari Grad Bay, west of Bonj.

From the center of Stari Grad, it can be reached on foot via the coastal promenade leading to the Helios tourist settlement. The path follows the sea and passes through one of the more pleasant parts of the city coastline.

The walk from the center of Stari Grad to the beach takes approximately 15 to 20 minutes, depending on the starting point.

Arriving by bicycle is also practical, especially for guests staying in the town or nearby apartments.

The tourist zone can also be accessed by car, and the final part of the journey to the beach is easiest to complete on foot.

Parking at Helios Beach

Unlike beaches in the historical core, the Helios area has road access and parking spaces connected to the tourist settlement.

This facilitates arrival by car, but not every parking space in the vicinity is intended for public use. Some parking spots may be reserved for guests of accommodation facilities.

Visitors not staying in hotels are best advised to use designated public parking spaces and then continue on foot to the coast.

During the peak tourist season, parking may be limited, so for guests staying in Stari Grad, walking along the coast is often a simpler choice.

Helios or Bonj – Which Beach to Choose?

Although they are relatively close to each other, Helios and Bonj offer a different swimming experience.

Bonj is known for its pebbly beach, organized facilities for families, and accessible entry to the sea for people with disabilities. It is particularly practical for parents with children who want more space to play by the shore.

Helios is more suited for guests who enjoy organized sunbathing areas, direct entry into the sea, and proximity to tourist facilities.

If you are staying in the Helios settlement, the beach is within easy reach and practical for daily swimming. If you prefer a classic pebbly beach, Bonj is a more suitable choice.

Both beaches are connected by the coastal promenade, making them easy to visit during your stay in Stari Grad.

What Else to Visit Near Helios?

The nearest well-known beach is Bonj, located east of Helios, with an organized pebbly beach and accompanying facilities.

Continuing the walk eastward leads to the historical core of Stari Grad, known for its stone streets, waterfront, and numerous cultural landmarks.

It is particularly worth visiting the Tvrdalj of Petar Hektorović, a Renaissance summer residence with a characteristic fish pond.

On the opposite side of Stari Grad Bay is the Lanterna Beach, also known for its organized sunbathing areas and pines by the sea.

For visitors wishing to explore more natural parts of the coast, there are also smaller beaches west of the hotel zone, towards the Kabal peninsula.

When is the Best Time to Visit Helios?

The most pleasant period for swimming is from June to September when the sea is warm and most seasonal facilities in the tourist settlement are available.

During July and August, the beach may be busier due to the proximity of hotels and apartments.

For a quieter swimming experience, the morning hours are recommended, while late afternoon is pleasant for relaxing by the sea and walking along the coast.

Outside the summer season, Helios is also interesting as part of the coastal promenade connecting Stari Grad with the surrounding green areas.

Why Visit Helios Beach?

Helios Beach is a good choice for guests who want easy access to the sea and organized sunbathing surfaces without the need to travel to distant beaches.

Its main advantages are its location next to the tourist settlement, the pine forest in the background, proximity to dining facilities, and the possibility of walking from Stari Grad.

For families who prefer pebbles, Bonj may be a better choice, while Helios will particularly suit adult bathers and guests who enjoy sunbathing on a flat shore.

If you are staying in Stari Grad or the Helios settlement, this is a practical place for daily swimming and relaxation by the sea.

Useful Information

  • Name: Helios Beach (Plaža Helios).
  • Location: Helios Settlement, northern shore of Stari Grad Bay, Stari Grad, Hvar Island.
  • Type of Beach: Organized beach with concrete sunbathing areas and rocky coastline.
  • Entry to the Sea: Via organized parts of the coastline and steps.
  • Sea Bottom: Predominantly rocky along the coast.
  • Suitable for Children: More suitable for children who can already swim; for the youngest, the nearby Bonj is more practical.
  • Sunbathing Areas: Organized concrete platforms.
  • Natural Shade: Pines in close proximity to the beach.
  • Loungers and Umbrellas: Seasonal offer in the tourist zone.
  • Dining Facilities: Hotels and seasonal dining options in the vicinity.
  • Walking Access: Coastal promenade from Stari Grad, approximately 15–20 minutes.
  • Bicycle Access: Possible.
  • Car Access: Via road to the Helios tourist zone.
  • Parking: Parking spaces in the tourist zone; some spots may be reserved for hotel guests.
  • Entry: Publicly accessible beach.
  • Best Time to Visit: June – September.
  • Nearby: Bonj Beach, Stari Grad, Lanterna Beach, and Helios tourist settlement.
  • Recommended for: Adult bathers, couples, guests of nearby hotels, and visitors who enjoy organized sunbathing areas.